It’s been since 1985 that restaurants and bars in Indiana were banned from hosting happy hours. That all changed on July 1, 2024 thanks to Governor Eric Holcolmb who passed Indiana House Bill 1086 which allows alcoholic beverages to be served at discounted prices during certain hours – no more than four hours per day, 15 hours per week, and never between 9pm - 3am. On the eve of the happiest of hours returning to Fort Wayne, some of my favorites were gearing up. Some of them had their plans in place, while others were still in the process at the time of writing this story. So, follow your favorites on social media as they update their plans. Here’s to knowing that happiness doesn’t really come in a glass, but saving a few bucks at one of these favorites can’t hurt.  

Find Late Night Bites in Fort Wayne

Young adults enjoying drinks at the Sidecar outdoor bar in downtown Fort Wayne.

Bravas

Locals may remember the early days of Bravas in 2012 when it was a local favorite food truck. The brick-and-mortar restaurant first opened in 2020, but the pandemic temporarily killed those plans. Bravas came back better than ever in 2023 at its new Fairfield Ave address. Known as “a weird, Spanish American restaurant,” you’ll find out quickly that weird is all good. It all started with a Spanish staple – Patatas Bravas. Trust me, you won’t stop here. From croquettes and BBQ carrots to berenjena and txistorra chips, the tapa-forward menu also offers a selection of smash burgers and hot dogs. Happy hour is Wednesday - Friday from 3-5 pm and features half off draft beer, house wine, and house cocktails. You can also enjoy half off draft beer all day on Thursdays.  

Chance Bar

Whether you have an adventurous palate, or you’re more of a meat-and-taters kind of person, chances are good that you’ll find something on the seasonal menu worth the wager. The restaurant vows that “The bar rail is ideal for trying a new wine or having an old favorite with a small plate or a snack. Full-service dining is also available at the bar.” Happy Hour is planned for Friday - Saturday 4:30-5:30pm with half off select local beer and wine, as well as $1 off oysters.

Copper Spoon

If you know anything about Copper Spoon, it’s the restaurant’s nationally recognized bar program receiving accolades from Wine Spectator and Spirited Awards – paving the way for some of the finest bartenders and cocktails in the Midwest. All juice, syrups, and infusions are prepared in-house by the Copper Spoon prep team using the highest quality ingredients, and each spirit is thoughtfully selected. Its locally sourced food menu showcases many of the area’s farms. And, as a side note, you can expect some of the same levels of excellence from its sister, Sidecar located next door. Beyond its Winedown Thursdays and Spirit of the Month programs, happy hour promises to be just as fun. Enjoy happy hour daily from 5-6 pm. 

Dana’s

Known as a neighborhood cocktail tavern focusing on French cuisine, Dana’s is located in a district known as The Landing which dates to the 1800s when Fort Wayne first became a city. From the same folks which have brought Fort Wayne Penny Drip and Night Train, which have garnered top honors such as Best American Bar Team and World’s Best Cocktail Menu, Dana’s is on track to follow its sisters’ footsteps. Happy hour will happen seven days a week 4-6 pm offering 50% off her entire beverage menu, including cocktails, beer, and wine.  Night Train will also participate in happy hour seven days a week from 5-6 pm with half off the entire drink menu.

Mercado

What started as a food truck, this Mexi-Cali gem located in The Landing district is a small taste of the West Coast lifestyle featuring its riffs on Chicano staples such as tacos, Pachola burgers, and other chef-driven offerings. On the bar side of things, it's all about Agave spirits that highlight the distillation traditions of Mexico. But, do not pass go without sipping on a Mercado Margarita. Their happy hour, called "Devour Hour", is offered Monday-Friday from 2-5 pm and features deals on cocktails and food.

Penny Drip

A coffee + cocktail bar offering a variety of beverage-related products, all in the heart of Downtown Fort Wayne, Penny Drip is a Be Better Hospitality brainchild just like its siblings – Dana’s and Night Train. Serving breakfast through dinner, happy hour will be a welcomed addition, running daily from 5-7 pm. Adjacent to Penny Drip, you can even get a haircut at The Executive Barbershop. Hey, If they say that when you look good, you feel good, a cocktail can only make it better. 

Bartender at Rune BarRune Restaurant

As Fort Wayne’s latest hotspot for fine dining, Rune Restaurant opened its doors in March 2024 located in the 46807 neighborhood. The rotating seasonal brunch, dinner, and cocktail menus showcase regionally sourced ingredients with bold flavors, minus the fuss. The menu also features foraged ingredients from a certified forager. Rune highlights magnums of unique wines that are offered “by the glass only” while they last each Thursday for $8. Happy hour, also known as pasta hour, will be offered Tuesday-Saturday from 5-6 pm. Featuring half off pasta, Miller High Lifes, and montanas. You can also enjoy $3 oysters, $3 skewers, and specials on wine during this hour. 

This post was originally published in July 2024 and has been updated. Last Updated: August 2026.